Refrigerator with holdover arrangement



"S'egahz329351 H. M. HEREENER 29423333 REFRIGERATOR WITH HOLD-OVERRRNGEMENT Filed May '7, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet l Sept 30, 1947. H. M.HERBENER l 2,42853-1 REFRIGERATOR WITH HOLD-OVER ARRANGEMENT Filed May7, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 H.` M. HERBENER 2,428,311l REFRIGERATOR WITHHOLD-OVER ARRANGEMENT Filed May 7, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 S M CQfimzfmfaw A f' 2i 5 wu e/wtofo Hwy M 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 annum',

H. M. HERBENER REFRIGERATOR WITH HOLD-OVER ARRANGEMENT Filed Mayv 7,1940 Sept. 30, 1947.

lllllllsllllIIllIllx w A o Patented Sept. 30, 1947 REFRIGERATOR WITHHOLDOVER ARRANGEMEN T Henry M. Herbener, Thomasville, Ga.

Application May 7, 1940, Serial No. 333,855

' My invention relates to refrigerators.

An important object of my invention is to provide a refrigeratorpossessing the advantages of the ordinary ice refrigerator and avoidingthe disadvantages.

A further object of the invention is to provide a mechanicalrefrigerator which will maintain the perishable food products suitablychilled, without dehydrating them. Y

A further object of the invention is to provide a mechanicalrefrigerator which may be operated without defrosting.

A further object of the' invention is to provide means for supportingthe perishable food products in close relation to the ice or icewaterholding tank or tanks, for effecting a quick and eiiicient heatexchange.

A further object of the invention is to have the perishable foodproducts supporting elementor elements in thermal contact with the iceor ice water-holding tank or tanks, for effecting efficient heatexchange.

A further object of the inventionA is to provide a plurality of ice orice water-holding tanks arranged in a longitudinal group in therefrigerator case, so that heat exchange with the food products carriedby the various trays may be effected in a more or less uniform manner.

A further object of the invention is to provide a refrigerator havingtray or trays which are in thermal contact with the ice or icewater-holding tank or tanks and are spaced from the walls of therefrigerator case to be free from thermal contact therewith.

A further object of the invention is to provide a refrigerator having anice or ice holding tank so constructedthat the food products may bearranged about the same in a surrounding group, with the refrigerantsupplying pipe extending generally centrally through the refrigeratorcase f and the tank for effecting eilicient heat exchange.

A further object of the invention is to yprovide hermetically sealedtank or tanks for holding 14 Claims. (C1. 62-95) the freezable liquidwhereby the same may be f used practically indefinitely without beingrefy plenished.

volume of ice of sufficient size to maintain the refrigerator properlychilled during a selected period when the mechanical refrigerating unitis idle.

A further object of the invention is to provide time control means toset the mechanical refrigerating apparatus into action at a selectedperiod, as when current is cheap, to freeze the water in the tank ortanks, and to stop such operation at the end of such period.

A further object of theinvention is to provide means to start thefreezing action of the water within the tank or tanks when thetemperature of the water raises to the melting point or above suchmelting point and to continue such freezing action until the water iscompletely frozen and then stop the freezing action when the temperatureof the water or ice drops below the freezing temperature.

A further object of the invention is to provide control means to set themechanical refrigerating apparatus ,into action at a selected period. asI when current fis cheap, tc'freeze the water in the tank 4or tanks, andto stop such operation at the end of such period, or when the water iscompletely frozen. y

The present application is a continuation in part of my application forRefrigeration apparatus, filed October 28, 1937, Serial No.-

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this'application and inwhich like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout thesame,

Figure l is a central vertical section through a refrigerator embodyingmy invention,

Figure 2 is a transverse section taken on line zf-z of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a central vertical section through a refrigerator embodyinga second form of the invention, t

Figure 4 is a transverse section taken on line 4 4 of Figure 3,

Figure 5 is a horizontal section taken on line 5 5 of Figure 3, y

VFigure 6 is a horizontal section taken on line 6 6 of Figure 4, f

Figure 7 is a central vertical section vthrough a refrigerator embodyinga third form of the invention,

Figure 8 is a transverse section taken on line 8 8 of Figure '7,

Figure 9 is a horizontal section taken on line 9 9 of Figure 7,

Figure 10 is a vertical section through a modified form of water-holdingtank,

Figure 11 is a central vertical section through a refrigerator embodyinga fourth form of my invention,

Figure 12 is a transverse section taken on line I2I2 of Figure 11,

Figure 13 is a horizontal section taken on line I3-I3 of Figure 11,

Figure 14 is a plan view of a modified form of water-holding tank,

Figure 15 is a vertical section taken on line I--I5 of Figure 14,

Figure 16 is a plan view of a further modified form of water-holdingtank,

Figure 17 is a longitudinal section taken on line I'I--Il of Figure 16,

Figure 18 is a transverse section taken on line Ill-I8 of Figure 16,

Figur'e 19 is a central vertical section through a plurality of modiedwater-holding tanks.

In Figures 1 and 2, the numeral I0 designates the case of arefrigerator, which is suitably insulated and has a, door II so thataccess may be had to the interior of the same. The case may be supportedupon legs I2.

Arranged within the case IU, preferably near its top, is a tank I3,formed of heat conducting material, such as metal. This tank ispreferably tapered, decreasing in horizontal cross-section downwardly.The tank I3 is preferably hermetically sealed and is fixedly securedwithin the top of the case by any suitable means. The tank I3 isrelatively large, and is preferably of such a. size that it will hold asufficient amount of water, which when frozen into ice, will besuflicient to properly cool perishable products within the case I0 for aconsiderable length of time, such as throughout the major portion of aday. The tank I3 is maintained at a temperature of substantially 32 F.and this will suitably chill the interior of the case, for providingproper refrigeration for the perishable products, which will bemaintained at a temperature of about 40 to 45", more or less. Since thetemperature of the tank I3 does not materially go below 32 F. there isno frosting of the tank I3 and associated elements and therefore nodehydrating of the perishable products within the case Ill and nonecessity for defrosting the tank and associated elements. The tank I3being hermetically sealed, a suitable air space is left at the top ofthis tank so that the air within the tank will be compressed When thewater expands in freezing, the drawings showing the water frozen intoice. 'Since the tank is hermetically sealed, this expansion during thefreezing of the water and the compression of the air, places the Waterunder pressure and the water has a temperature slightly below 32 F.after being frozen. This reduction of temperature below 32 F. shouldonly be slight as it is not desirable that the tank I3 have itstempera-- ture reduced considerably below 32 F. The extent of pressurewhich will be applied to the water due to the expansion of the sameduring the freezing period will depend upon the size of the air spacewithin the tank, which may be varied, as found advantageous. By usingthe hermetically sealed tank I obtain all of the advantages inherent inthe use of ice in the ordinary ice refrigerator while eliminating thedisadvantages, such as drip and the necessity of manual lling andrefilling with ice. In accordance with my invention the tank I3 ismaintained at substantially the temperature of the ice or ice water heldtherein and hence the cooling surface of this ice or ice water is at alltimes utilized in chilling the interior of the case I0 and this coolingsurface is maintained constant and at substantially a constanttemperature, for as long as the water in the tank I3 is completelyfrozenor as long as there is any ice in the water the tank I3 will bemaintained at substantially 32 F. In the ordinary ice refrigerator, asthe ice melts, the water drains off and the cooling surface of the cakeof ice decreases and a point is readily reached at which the coolingsurface is insuillcient to properly chill the perishable food products,and as a result of this, it is customary to fill an ice box with moreice than is necessary to properly chill the food products by allowingfor a sumcient amount of ice remaining after a portion of the same hasmelted away during the day. Therefore, in my refrigerator an economy inspace is effected in the storage tank for holding the ice or ice water.

Further, since the water within the tank I3 is frozen by means of arefrigerating element which may be automatically thrown into action forseveral hours during each day, the length of time that the ice or icewater within the tank I3 must serve to maintain the interior of the caseI0 at the desired lowered temperature is materially reduced, as comparedto the time that ice must function in the ordinary ice refrigerator forthe same purpose, and hence the size of the tank I3 and the resultantvolume of the ice or ice water therein is also further materiallyreduced with respect to the volume of ice in the ordinary icerefrigerator.

The tank I3 has a bottom I4 and the sides of the tank project downwardlybelow this bottom for forming a metal housing I5, preferably integralwith the tank I3 and in thermal contact therewith. Arranged within theupper portion of the housing I5 is a chamber I6, heat insulated at itssides, ends, and bottom, as shown at I'I, but not heat insulated at itstop. This chamber I6 receives a cooling or freezing element I8, in theform of an expansion shell or casing, although a coil may be used if sodesired. Arranged within the lower portion of the housing I5 is achamber I9, which is heat insulated at its top, bottom, sides, and ends,and has a door 2| at its front end', so that access may be had to theinterior of the same. The heat insulated chamber I9 removably receivesand holds a tray 22, for holding water, ice cubes, desserts or the like.A freezing or cooling coil or element 23 is arranged within the heatinsulated chamber I3 and is connected with the shell or element I8 bymeans of a pipe 24. The refrigerant is supplied to the shell I8 througha pipe 25 and this pipe 25 leads to the outlet side of a compressor 2B,the intake side of which is connected with a pipe 21, connected with theoutlet of the coil 23. The pipe 25 has a coil or condenser 25 connectedtherein, as is well known. The outlet portion of the pipe 25 has arestrictor 26 connected therein. It is thus seen that the refrigerantrst enters the shell or element I8 and expands therein and then passesinto the coil 23. The temperature within the shell I8 is below 32 F. andheat from the water within the tank I3 is transmitted tothe shell I8through the bottom I4, the water circulating upwardly Within the tank I3when it is below 39 F. When the water is frozen the refrigerant is cutofi from the shell I8 so that the temperature of the tank I3 is notreduced materially below 32 F. The temperature within the heat insulatedcham- 5 lber I9 may be considerably below 32 F. for freezing water intoice cubes or making frozen desserts. Since the chamber I9 is heatinsulated this low temperature therein will not, of course, betransmitted to the interior of the case I for dehydrating the perishableproducts.

The compressor is shown as operated by an electric motor 28, the`operation of which is automatically controlled by a thermostat 29. Thethermostat is so adjusted'that when the temperature of the tank I3 goesbelow 32 F. the circuit is opened to stop the motor 28. When thetemperature of the tank I3 goes below 32 the temperature within the caseIll will also drop vand will then go below 40 F. or some otherpredetermined temperature at which time the thermo tank I3 and inthermal contact therewith. The` numeral 32 is a similar shelf,preferably formed of metal and mounted upon the housing I5 and inthermal contact therewith and with the tank I3 through the housing I5.Rigidly secured to the bottom of the housing I5 and in thermal contacttherewith is a depending plate 33, prefererably formed of metal, andcarrying a lower shelf 34, preferably formed of metal. The shelf 34 isin thermal contact with the plate 33 and the plate 33 is in thermalcontact with the housing I5. The shelf 34 is provided with guides 35,slidably receiving the top edges of receptacles 3B, preferably formed ofmetal. In view of the foregoing description it is thus seen that theshelves 3|, 32, and 34 and the receptacles or trays 36 are all inthermal contact with each other and with the tank I3 so that Aheat maybe transmitted from them to the tank by thermal contact, while all ofthese elements are preferably spaced from all walls of the case I0 so'that heat from these walls will not be transmitted to them. I

The operation of the apparatus is as follows: The clock 30 is soadjusted that it will maintain the motor circuit closed at one pointduring a selected period of the day, which may be that period whencurrent is cheap, such as from midnightto 6 a.m. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. assome locations have an offpeak rate at this time. With a clock thusadjusted, when the time is reached, the clock will close the motorcircuit as stated and if thetemperature of the tank I3 is at 32 F. orabove the motor circuit will also be closed at another point by thethermostat and this motor circuit will be completely closed and themotor set into action for driving the compressor. Assuming that theportion of the day when current is cheap.

Instead of locating the thermostat 29 within the This period may also befrom case I0 so that it is operated primarily by the temperature withinthe oase, this thermostat may be mounted directly upon the tank I3 andin thermal contact with the tank so that the motor circuit will beclosed by the thermostat when the temperature of the tank reaches 32 F.or above and is opened when the temperature of the tank drops below 32F.

In Figures 3 to 5 inclusive, I have shown a modified form of theinvention. In these figures, the numeral 31 designates the case of arefrigerator, which is suitably insulated and is equipped with a frontdoor 38 whereby access may be had to the interior thereof, as iscustomary. Arranged within the case 31, preferably in spaced superposedrelation are water-holding tanks 39 and 40, which are preferablyvertically tapered,

and decrease downwardly. 'I'hese tanks are preferably hermeticallysealedfor holding water and the level therein indicates the water when frozen.The combined volume of the tanks 39 and 49 is sufficient for holding iceor ice water of a sufdcient combined volume to maintain the perishablefood products in the case 31 at a proper refrigerating temperature,throughout the major portion of the day. In other words, the combinedvolume of the tanks 39 and 40 will be equal to the volume of the tank I3in the first form of the invention. The top 4| of the tank 39 projectsbeyond the tank 39 and serves as a shelf and this top and tank ispreferably spaced from all walls of the case Ill so that heat from thesewalls will not be transmitted to the tank. The top 4I serves as a shelffor the perishable products thus bringing them into thermal contact withthe tank 39. Beneath the top 4|, the tank is covered with heatinsulation 42 which is suitably rigidly secured to the back wall of thecase 31 and constitutes the supporting means for the tank. Thisinsulation encloses a freezing or cooling element or coil 43, preferablyformed upon the exterior of the tank 39.V The tank 40 has a top 44serving as a shelf and below this top, the tank is covered by insulation45, suitably rigidly attached to the back wall of the case 31 andsupporting the tank 43. The tank 40 alsohas its sides covered byinsulation 46. A refrigerating or freezing element or coil 41 is formedupon the exterior of the side of the tank 40 and is covered by theinsulation 46.

` Arranged below the insulation 45 and having thermal contact with thetank 40 are guides 49 and 49, slidably engaging flanges at the top oftrays 50. These trays are therefore in thermal contact with the tank 40and may be removed from the front of the case 31 when the door is open.The tank 40, guides 48, and trays 50 are all out of thermal contact withall walls of the case 31 and are spaced therefrom whereby heat from thecase cannot be transmitted to the same.

Arranged in the upper portion of the case 31 is a heat insulated chamber5|, in the upper portion of which is mounted an hermetically sealed tank52 for holding a liquid having a freezing point below water, such asbrine. The tank 52 is vertically tapered and decreases in widthdownwardly and isprovided with a refrigerating or freezing element orcoil 53 formed upon its exterior, near its bottom. This coil is coveredby the heat insulating material 54. In

Athe lower portion of the heat insulated chamber 5I are trays 55, forreceiving water, desserts or the like to be frozen. These trays haveflanges at their tops to engage and be supported by guides trays 55 byopening a door 51, as shown.

The numeral 58 designates a pipe which leads into one end of the coil 53for supplying the refrigerant thereto, and 59 is a pipe receiving therefrigerant from the opposite end of the coil 53 and supplying the sameinto one end of the coil 43, the opposite end of which discharges intoa'pipe 6U. This pipe 60 discharges the refrigerant into one end of thecoil 41, and the opposite end of this coil discharges the refrigerantinto a pipe 6I. This pipe 8l leads to the'intake side of a compressor5'2, the outlet side of which is connected with a pipe 63, connectedwith the usual coil condenser 64, which discharges into the pipe 58.

The numeral 65 designates a clock for closing the motor circuit at onepoint and maintaining the same closed during a selected portion of theday as between midnight and 6V a. m. The numeral 96 designates athermostat which will close the motor circuit at another point when thetemperature of the tanks 33 and 40 falls below 32 F. and will close thecircuit when their temperatures reach 32 F. or above. This thermostatmay be adjusted to operate by the temperature within the case 31 or itmay have thermal contact with either tank 39 or 49.

In the operation of this form of refrigerator, when the selected portionof the day is reached, the clock 65 closes the motor circuit at onepoint and the motor is set into action, assuming that the water in thetanks 39 and 40 is melted in whole or in part. The motor continues torun until the water has been completely frozen in the tanks 39 and 40 atwhich time the temperature of the tanks 39 and 40 will drop below 32 F.and the thermostat 96 will then open the motor circuit and stop themotor. The clock 65 maintains the circuit closed for a sufficient lengthof time to permit the water in the tanks 39 and 40 to freeze. In thisform of the invention, the brine within the tank 52 will freeze andhence this tank will have a temperature below 32 F. and water, dessertsor the like within the trays 55 may be frozen within the heat insulatedchamber during the operation of the motor or after it is cut off. Thechamber 5l is heat insulated from the interior of the case 31 and hencethe low temperature within this chamber 5l will not be transmitted tothe interior of the case, and therefore the dehydrating of perishablefood products within the case will be avoided and no defrosting of thetanks 39 and 48 is necessary.

Attention is now called to Figures rI to 9 inclusive, wherein thenumeral -91 designates the case of a refrigerator, which is suitablyinsulated, and is equipped with a front door 68. Arranged within thecase B1 are Water-holding tanks 69 and 10, corresponding to the tanks 39and 40, Figure 3, The tops of these tanks serve as shelves and thesetops are spaced from all walls of the case 61 and have no thermalcontact therewith. The tank 10 carries trays 1|, having thermal contacttherewith and these trays and the guides 12 have no thermal contactwiththe case 81. Trays 1i correspond to trays 59, Figure 3. The tanks 69and 10 have refrigerating or freezing elements or coils 13,corresponding to the coils 43 and 41, Figure 3, and connected in seriesby pipes 14 and 15. The lowermost coil 13 is con- 8 nected with a pipe18 which leads to the intake side of the compressor.

Within the upper portion of the case 61 is arranged a heat insulatedchamber 11, in the ,upper portionof which is located an hermeticallysealed tank 18, vertically tapered and converging downwardly. This tankholdsa liquid having a freezing point below water, such as brine, andthe drawings show the liquid as frozen. This tank has a freezingorcooling coil 19, corresponding to the coil 53, Figure 3, and the coil 19has its outlet end connected with a pipe 80, leading to the inlet end ofthe coil 13. The inlet end of the coil V19 is connected with' a pipe 8|,connected with the usual coil condenser 82, connected with a pipe 83,which is connected with the outlet of thev compressor 84. Arranged abovethe brineholding tank 15 is a space 85. within the heat insulatedchamber 11, and this space receives trays 96, having iianges at theirtops to engage guides 81. The trays 86 rest upon the top of the tank 18and have thermal contact therewith and these trays are removed byopening a door 93. The trays may hold water, desserts or the like whichare to be frozen. Within the heat insulated chamber 11 beneath the tank18v there is a space 89 for receiving trays 99, containing frozen foods.The trays 90 are provided at their tops with flanges 9| havingengagement with flanges 92 carried by the tank 11. The trays 90therefore have thermal contact with the tank 18 and the trays 99 may beremoved by opening the door 92. The temperature within the chamber 11 isbelow the freezing point of water and should 3aL be about 10 F.

In this form of the invention, the same clock 65,'Figures 5 and 3, isemployed to close the circuit of the motor and the same thermostat 56 isemployed to open and close the motor circuit at another point.

' The operation of this form of the refrigerator is the same as thatstated in connection with the form shown in Figures 3 to 5 inclusive. Inthis form of the invention, Figures 7 to 9 inclusive, the trays 86 forholding ice and desserts are arranged above the tank 13 and are inthermal contact therewith and the trays 99 for holding Aquick frozenfoodstuffs are arranged beneath the tank 18 and in thermal contacttherewith.

In Figure 10, I have shown a modification of the refrigerating o rfreezing coil for the waterholding tank which may be illustrated by 69.The coil is designated 'i3' and is shown as triangular in cross-sectioninstead of curved in cross-section.

In Figures 11 to 13 inclusive, I have shown a further modification of myinvention, wherein the numeral 93 designates a case having a front door94, as usual. The case is suitably insulated.

Arranged within the upper portion of the case 93 is a heat insulatedchamber 95, receiving tanks 96, which are hermetically sealed and hold aliquid having a freezing point below water. These `tanks are rectangularand are vertically tapered and flare upwardly. A conduit 91 is arrangedbetween these tanks and extends longitudinally of them. This conduit isformed by the side walls of the tanks 98 and has end walls 98. Theconduit 91 is inverted V-shaped in cross-section and at its bottom itcommunicates with a conduit 99, through a slot 99 which is generallyinverted V-shaped in cross-section. The conduit 99 extendslongitudinally of the tanks 96. The conduits 91 and 99 communicate witheach other throughout their entire length by the slot 99.

`Arranged upon opposite sides of the conduit 99,

are compartments for receivingtrays |02, suspended from and havingthermal contact with the tank 96. These trays are designed-for holdingquick frozen foodstuffs. There is a space or compartment |03 within theheat insulated chamber 95, above the tank 96, and this compartmentreceives trays |04 for holding watervor desserts or the like to befrozen.- These trays cooperate vwith guides |04 and the bottom of thesetrays havethermal contact with the tank 9-6.

Arranged within the case 93 below the heat insulated chamber 95 areannular water-holding tanks |05, 'which are tapered in verticalcrosssection, decreasing downwardly. All of these annular tanks |05 arerigidly connected with each other and are preferably suspended from theheat insulated chamber 95. The first two annular tanks |05 from thebottom have their tops extending radially beyond the same to formcircular supports |06,upon which are mounted rotatable shelves |01. Eachshelf is preferably formed in two segments which interlock at |08 sothat they are detachably connected. There are stationary corner shelves|09 arranged at the same level with the shelves |01. The shelves |01 arespaced from and have no thermal contact with the shelves |09 or thewalls of the case 93.

Arranged adjacent to the lowermost annular water holding tank |05 is ahorizontal shelf I|0, preferably rectangular, and having thermal contactWith the tank |05. Arranged below the shelf ||0 are trays provided attheir tops with the flanges for slidably engaging guides II2 formed uponthe shelf I I0. The trays III have thermal contact with the shelf H0 butare preferably spaced from the bottom of the case 93 and therefore haveno thermal contact therewith.

The tanks |05 are hermetically sealed and have air spaces at their topsand the ice is indicated by the level therein. The shelves |01 and IIOare preferably spaced from the sides, back, and door of the case 93 andhave no thermal contact therewith at their edges. The annular tanks |05form a vertical passage I I3, the upper end of which is in communicationwith the conduit 91, at a point II4'. Extending through the passage ||3is a refrigerant supply pipe I I5, having an external diameter smallerthan the reduced portions of the passage |I3, as shown. The pipe I|5discharges into the conduit 91 and the refrigerant then passes into theconduit 99 and then through the passage ||3 externally of the pipe I|5.Leading into the lowerI end of the .passage |I3, is a return pipe I|6,heat insulated as shown at II1. The return pipe I6 discharges into theintake side of a compressor ||1 and the supply pipe |I5 leads to theoutlet side of this compressor. The

compressor is operated by the motor 28, and the same clock 65 andthermostat 66 are employed for the same purposes as describedinrconnection with all previous forms of the invention. In view of theforegoing description it will be seen that the annular water-holdingtanks |05 are all in thermal contact with each other and the shelves arein thermal contact with the tanks.4 The combined volume of the tanks |05are suincient to hold a combined volume of ice which is suicient forproperly chilling the perishable food products within the case 93 duringthe period in which the motor circuit is opened by the clock 65, whichis ordinarily from midnight to 6 a. m. The annular tanks |05 provide apassage for the refrigerant supply pipe and the refrigerant is returnedthrough this passage to the compressor. By pro- .lo viding a pluralityof water holding tanks, the food products are held within therefrigerant case adjacent to these tanks and in thermal contacttherewith whereby the food products may be maintained at a lowertemperature than the atmosphere within the case 93. The heat insulatedchamber contains the brine tank 96, which freezes the brine into ice forfreezing ice cubes,

desserts and the like and the trays |02 hold frozen food products. Thetemperature within the heat insulated chamber 95 should be about tendegrees 'F. and this lower temperature is not transmitted into theinterior of the case 93 beneath the heat insulated chamber, whereby thedehydrating of the food products is eliminated and the defrosting of thetanks |05 is also eliminated.

In Figure 14, I have shown a further modification of the inventionwherein the numeral IIB designates semi-annular water holding tanks,disposed in spaced relation and preferably superposed. The combinedvolume of these tanks is such that the combined volume of the ice heldtherein is sufiicient to properly chill the perishable food productsduring the period that the motor of the compressor is idle. These tankstaper downwardly. The tanks have tops |I9 which extend beyond the sameand form shelves andare preferably spaced from the walls of therefrigerator case to be free from thermal contact therewith. Theseshelves of course are in thermal contact with the tanks. At the rear ofthe tanks I|8 are freezing or cooling elements |20 serving as coils thatreceive the refrigerant. The elements |20 are heat insulated at theirbacks by the wall of the refrigerator case as shown at |2I, and alsoheat insulated at the bottoms as shown at |22. A refrigerant supply pipe|23 passes through the back of the case and leads into the element |20and the element |20 discharges the refrigerant through a pipe |26 whichleads into the next element |20. A pipe |25 receives the refrigerantfrom the element |20. The pipe |23 receives the refrigerant from theoutlet side ofthe condenser and the pipe |25 returns it to the intakeside of the compressor. Any suitable number of tanks |I8 and freezingelements |20 may be used. I contemplate using this form of the inventionwith the clock and thermostat for opening and closing the circuit.

In Figures 16 to 18 inclusively, I have shown a further modification. Inthis figure the numeral |26 designates the water-holding tank having awater receiving chamber |21 which ls V-shaped in cross-section. Thechamber |21 is longitudinally U-shaped forming ysides between which ismounted a freezing or cooling element |28, serving as a coil. Thechamber |21 extends about the free end of the freezing element |28. Thefreezing element is provided with a longitudinal partition |29, whichdivides the freezing element into compartments, connected at theirforward ends by an opening |30. The refrigerant is supplied into therear end of the element |28 through a pipe |3`| and discharges from thesame through a pipe |32. The pipe |3| condenser and the pipe I 32 to theintake of the compressor. Pipes |3| and |32 are heat insulated by beingarrangedwithin the back wall of the refrigerator case |33. The element|28 is inverted V-shaped in cross-section and its bottom is heatinsulated, as shown at |34. I contemplate using any suitable number oftanks |26 for holding a. desired volume of iceto retain the perishablefood products suitably chilled through the period wherein the compressoris idle. I also contemleads to the outlet of a plate using these tank ortanks in connection with the clock and thermostat as described inconnection with the other forms of the invention. The top |34 of thetank serves as a shelf and may extend beyond the same for. any suitabledistance and is preferably out of Contact with the walls of therefrigerator case.

In Figure 19, I have shown a modification of the invention which issomewhat similar to the forms shown in Figures l1 to 13 inclusive. In

Figure 19, the numeral |35 designates annular water-holding tankscorresponding to the tanks |05. The tanks |35 have tops |36 extendingradially beyond them to form shelves. The tanks |35 are verticallyshorter than the tanks |05 and their bottoms are spaced from the nextlower shelf. This affords larger storage space on the shelves. The tanks|35 are annular and each tank has an interior or central freezing orcooling element or chamber |31. A refrigerant sup-f ply pipe |38 leadsinto the uppermost freezing element |31 and this freezingelement isconnected with a pipe |39 which leads into the next freezing element|31. Any number of water-holding tanks |35 and freezing. elements may beemployed and the lowermost freezing element has an outlet pipe |40 whichreturns to the intake side of the compressor while the pipe |38 leads tothe outlet side of the condenser. The pipes |38, |39, |40 are heatinsulated. I contemplate using any number of tanks |35, the

combined volume of which are sutlicient to produce a volume of ice, inturn sufficient to keep the perishable food products suitably chilled.The shelves |36 have their edges preferably spaced from the walls of therefrigerator case so that they have no thermal contact therewith. Icontemplate using the tanks |36 with the clock and thermostat as shownand described in connection with the previous invention. The advantageof the constructions shown in Figures 1l to 13 inclusive and 19 is thatthe refrigerant is supplied at the center of the refrigerator case andat the center of the water-holding tanks, whereby the maximum heatexchange is effected.

I have shown an electrically operated apparatus for supplying therefrigerant, and this is done for the purpose of illustration only. Icontemplate using a flame operated apparatus for producing therefrigerant such as employs burning gas. I contemplate using chemicalfor operating apparatus to produce the refrigerant. I also contemplateusing any form of heat perated apparatus to produce theV refrigerant,and it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is notrestricted to the type of electrically actuated apparatus, as shown.While it is preferred to use the clock to open and close the circuit,for the purpose stated, yet the clock may be omitted, particularly whenthe current is supplied intermittently to the customer, as when onlyavailable during certain hours of the day. I also contemplate operatingmy refrigerator intermittently with or without the use of the clock.

In each form of the invention, the pipe which supplies the refrigerantto the freezing element or expansion chamber or to the rst of a seriesof freezing elements connected in series, is provided with a contractedbore or expansion valve, as is customary.

It is to be understood that the forms of my invention herewith shown anddescribed are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, and thatvarious changesin the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may beresorted to, without departing from the spirit of my invention or thescope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

l. A refrigerator comprising a case, heat conducting means within thecase and being of such a large size that when it is substantially filledwith Water and all the water substantially frozen the resultant ice willbe of a large volume to properly cool perishable products within thecase when the refrigerating mechanism is inactive with respect to itscycle of operationfor a substantial period, refrigerating mechanism forsubstantially freezing allA the water within the means, time controlledmeans to render the freezing mechanism active with respect to its cycleof operation to freeze substantially all the water within the waterholding means and to render the refrigerating mechanism inactive withrespect to its cycle of operation after such mechanism has operated andthe water is substantially completely frozen so that the temperature ofthe heatl conducting means does not go substantially below the freezingpoint of water, means forming a heat insulated chamber within the casefor receiving a receptacle holding water, desserts or the like, and acooling element within the heat insulated chamber and included in therefrigerating mechanism and serving to freeze the water, desserts or thelike.

' 2. A refrigerator comprising a case, a relatively large water holdingheat conducting means arranged within the case andwhen substantiallyfilled serving to hold a large volume of water, a heat insulated chamberwithin the case, a receptacle within the heat insulated chamber forholding water or desserts or the like, a tank within the heat insulatedchamber and containing a liquid medium which is freezable at atemperature below the freezing point of water, electrically operatedrefrigerating mechanism adapted when active with respectl to its cycleof operation to substantially completely freeze the water within thewater holding means and to chill the said liquid medium, saidelectrically operated refrigerating mechanism being thrown into actionwith respect to its cycle of operation throughout the minor portion ofthe day when the current is cheap, the freezing of the water within thewater holding means providing a large volume of ice which is capable ofretaining the interior of the case suitably chilled for refrigerationpurposes while the refrigerating mechanism is inactive with respect toits cycle of operation during the major portion of the day, and timecontrolled means to render ythe refrigerating mechanism active withrespect to its cycle of operation throughout the minor portion of theday when the current is cheap and to render the same inactive withrespect to its cycle of operation at the end of such minor portion.

3. A refrigerator comprising a case, relatively large water holding heatconducting means arranged within the case and adapted when substantiallyfilled with water for holding a large volume of water, a heat insulatedchamber within the case, a receptacle within the heat insulated chamberfor holding water or desserts or the like,

electrically operated .refrigerating mechanism adapted when active withrespect to its cycle of operation to substantially completely freeze thewater within the water holding means and to chill the interior of theheat insulated chamber, said electrically operated refrigeratingmechanism being thrown into action with respect to its respect to itscycle of operation throughout the minor portion of the day when thecurrent is cheap and maintaining the refrigerating mechanism activeuntil substantially all of the Water is frozen and then render therefrigerating mechanism inactive with respect to its cycle of operationat the end of such minor portion.

4. A refrigerator comprising a case, relatively large water holding heatconducting means arranged within the case for holding when substantiallylled a large volume of water, refrigerating mechanism adapted whenrendered active with respect to its cycle of operation to substantiallycompletely freeze the water within the water holding means, thesubstantially complete freezing of the water providing a large volume ofice which is capable of retaining the interior of the case -suitablychilled for refrigeration purposes while the vrefrigerating mechanism isinactive with respect to its cycle of operation, time controlled meansto render the refrlgerating mechanism active with respect to its cycleof operation when the selected portion of the day is reached andmaintaining the refrigerating mechanism active with respect to its cycleof operation throughout the time of such selected portion for freezingsubstantially all of the water Within the relatively large water holdingmeans and then rendering the refrigerating mechanism inactive withrespect to its cycle of operation, and thermostatic means to render therefrigeratlng mechanism inactive with respect to its cycle of operationwhen the temperature of the. water holding means is reducedsubstantially below the freezing point of water.

5. A refrigerator comprising a case, a plurality of tanks for holdingWater arranged within the case and having thermal contact with eachother and free from thermal contact with the case, means to freeze thewater within the tanks, and shelves having thermal contact with thetanks.

l 6. A refrigerator comprising a case, a plurality of superposedsubstantially annular waterholding tanks arranged generallyeoaxial withrelation to each other within the (case, and refrigerating meansextending generally centrally of the case and of the tanks and servingto supply a refrigerant adjacent to the tanks;

7. A refrigerator comprising a case, a plurality of substantiallyannular water-holding tanks arranged within the case, means formingrefrigerating elements arranged centrally of the annular water-holdingtanks, and means for supplying a refrigerant to the refrigeratingelements.

8. A refrigerator comprising a case, a plurality of substantiallyannular water-holding tanks arranged within the case, means formingrefrigerating elements arranged centrally of the tanks, therefrigerating elements being connected in series, and means forsupplying a refrigerant to one element.

9. A refrigerator comprising a heat insulated case having a foodcompartment, downwardly tapered heat conducting water holding meansarranged within the case to chill the air in the food 14 compartment andkof sufficient size to hold enough ice to maintain the food-compartmentproperly chilled for the refrigeration of perishable prodducts for asubstantial period, means to initially freeze the'lower portion of thewater only and progressively freeze the same upwardly, Aand means foroperating the freezing means for a period sulcient to freezesubstantially all the water in the water holding means and means'to stopthe operation of the freezing means when the water holding means issubstantially filled with ice.

10. A refrigerator comprising a heat insulated case having a foodcompartment, downwardly tapered heat conducting water holding meansarranged within the case to chill the air in the food compartment andAof suilicient size to hold enough ice to maintain the food compartmentproperly chilled for the refrigeration of perishable products for asubstantial period, means to initially freeze the lower portion of thewater only and progressively freeze the same upwardly, a heat insulatedchamber within the case, and refrigerating means Within the heatinsulated chamber for freezing water, desserts or the like within theinsulated chamber.

11. A refrigerator, comprising a heat insulated case having a foodcompartment, heat conducting water holding means within the casetoxchill the air in the food compartment and of sufficient size to holdenough ice to maintain the fod compartment properly chilled for therefrigeration of perishable products for a substantial period, means toinitially freeze the lower portion of the water only and progressivelyfreeze the same upwardly, means to stop the operation of the freezingmeans when the 'water holding means is substantially lled with ice, aheat insulated chamber Within the case, and refrigerating means withinthe heat insulated chamber. i

12. A refrigerator, comprising a heat insulated case having a foodcompartment, heat conducting water holding means within the case tochill the air in the food compartment and of a size to hold enough iceto maintain the food compartment properly chilled for the refrigerationof perishable products for a substantial'period,

means to initially freeze the lower portion of the water only andprogressively freeze the same upwardly, means to stop the operation ofthe freezing means when the water holding means is substantially filledwith ice, a heat insulated chamchilled for the refrigeration ofperishable products for a substantial period, means to initially freezethe lower portion of the water only in each tank and progressivelyfreeze the same upwardly,

y the freezing means being insulated from the food compartment, thefreezing means when active serving to chill the food compartment throughthe water or ice.

14. A refrigerator, comprising a heat insulated case having a foodcompartment, a plurality of substantially horizontal tanks arrangedwithin REFERENCES CITED The following references are ofArecord in the leof this patent:

UNITED STATES PA'I'ENTS Name Date Terry May 6, 1930 Number Number NameDate Fourness May 16, 1933 Stevens May 20, 1934 Voorhees Apr. 23, 1935Allen Aug. 31, 1937 Kalischer Dec. 28, 1937 Phillip Nov. 9, 1937 MuillyNov. 22, 1938 Young Nov. 22, 1938 Jordan et al Jan. 31, 1939 Muly Jan.31) 1939 Muiily Jan. 31, 1939 Hovey June 6, 939 Gould Feb. 20, 940

